Olive oil is the natural oil extracted from olives, the fatty fruit of the olive tree.

About 24% of the oil is saturated fats and omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

But the predominant (73%) fatty acid in olive oil is a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, which is extremely healthy.

Oleic acid is believed to help reduce inflammation, and may have beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer.

Monounsaturated fats in extra virgin olive oil are also quite resistant to high heat, making it a healthy choice for cooking.

2. Olive Oil Contains Large Amounts of Antioxidants

Extra virgin olive oil is fairly nutritious.

Apart from its beneficial fatty acids, it contains modest amounts of Vitamins E and K.

But olive oil is also loaded with powerful antioxidants.

These antioxidants are biologically active and may help fight serious diseases.

This includes antioxidants that can fight inflammation and help prevent the cholesterol in our blood from becoming oxidized, both crucial steps in the heart disease process.

4. Olive Oil May Help Prevent Strokes

Stroke is caused by a disturbance of blood flow to the brain, either due to a blood clot or bleeding.

In developed nations, stroke is the second most common cause of death, right after heart disease.

The relationship between olive oil and the risk of stroke has been studied extensively.

A large review study that included over 841,000 subjects found that olive oil was the only source of monounsaturated fat associated with a reduced risk of stroke and heart disease.

These findings are supported by another large review study, this one with 140,000 participants. Researchers found that those who consumed olive oil were at a much lower risk of stroke.

Olive Oil Is Protective Against Heart Disease

Heart disease is the most common cause of death in the world.

Observational studies conducted a few decades ago showed that heart disease was rare around the Mediterranean Sea.

This led to extensive research on the Mediterranean diet, which has now been shown to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.

Extra virgin olive oil is one of the key features of this diet, and protects against heart disease via numerous mechanisms.

It lowers inflammation, protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation, improves the function of the lining of the blood vessels, and may help prevent unwanted blood clotting.

Interestingly, it has also been shown to lower blood pressure, which is one of the strongest risk factors for heart disease and premature death. In one study, olive oil reduced the need for blood pressure meds by 48%.

The truth is that dozens, if not hundreds, of studies have shown that extra virgin olive oil has powerful benefits for the heart.

If you have heart disease, a family history of heart disease, or any other major risk factor, then you might want to consider including plenty of extra virgin olive oil in your diet.